Letter from William
W. Phelps, 14 November 1833

Since I last
wrote, our brethren have been moving in every direction. It is
impossible to say where many of them are.—The situation of many is
critical having nothing to buy food with, and having raised none the
passed season. Great destruction is said to be making with the property
left—such as corn, potatoes, household furniture, &c. The Savior said, Blessed are ye
when ye are hated of all men for my name’s sake—and I think we have come to that. It is impossible to
give you the information which requires a personal interview. Now is the
hour that tries our souls; yea, the souls of the saints: we want victuals and clothes, and we mean to be saved, even
if we die—for life with the present prospect before us, is not very
desirable! I shall give more general information in my next if I can
obtain it.

In great
tribulation,

Yours,
&c.”
[p. 119]

November
14, 1833.

Since I last
wrote, our brethren have been moving in every direction. It is
impossible to say where many of them are.—The situation of many is
critical having nothing to buy food with, and having raised none the
passed season. Great destruction is said to be making with the property
left—such as corn, potatoes, household furniture, &c. The Savior said, Blessed are ye
when ye are hated of all men for my name’s sake—and I think we have come to that. It is impossible to
give you the information which requires a personal interview. Now is the
hour that tries our souls; yea, the souls of the saints: we want victuals and clothes, and we mean to be saved, even
if we die—for life with the present prospect before us, is not very
desirable! I shall give more general information in my next if I can
obtain it.

Located twelve miles from western Missouri border. Permanently settled, platted, and designated county seat, 1827. Hub for steamboat travel on Missouri River. Point of departure for Santa Fe Trail. Population in 1831 about 300. Mormon population by summer...

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and 1,000 others; in 1838 about 2,000 Saints and 1,200 others; in 1839 about 100 Saints and 1,500 others. Mormon missionaries visited township...